TRAINING FOR OLYMPIC SUCCESS STEPS UP A GEAR

2012 is here at last a massive year for sport in the UK, Olympic fever is here!

I spent New Years eve in Kenya where I am on training camp with the UK Athletics/ London Marathon altitude camp. I have to be honest it wasnʼt a classic! I was tucked up in bed before 10.30pm and awoke to see bright blue sky, a lovely way to be welcomed into 2012.

This is my second of two 4 week camps in Kenya, being here in November and returning home for just 3 weeks over Christmas. Iʼm very lucky to be part of the altitude programme which played a massive part of my success last year.

Helen Clitheroe Training at Iten track with Charlene Thomas and Paula RadcliffeTraining at Iten track with Charlene Thomas and Paula RadcliffeThe camp here in Iten is at 2400m altitude and a haven for distance runners. Most of the top Kenyan distance runners where born or have trained in this area and it also attracts many other top athletes from around the world. I have seen David Rudisha, Kaki, Sally Kipyego and Linet Masai.

The High Altitude Training Centre is a great place to train with miles of dusty trails, a gravel track the length of which causes much debate, we think its 408m! A gym and pool at are also at our disposal. The food is simple but good, although we do find ourselves fantasising about the types of food we will treat ourselves to when we get home. I am craving apple crumble and custard yum yum.